Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Nov 1

Favorite Reads on Italy (FRI) is a weekly roundup published on Fridays featuring interesting articles, fascinating experiences, and handy resources that I’ve come across that week.

Postcard from Italy: We love pizza!

This week’s roundup includes a fascinating exhibition on the “Treasures of San Gennaro”, intriguing ghost towns in Italy, a delicious pumpkin recipe, a good read of wine regions in Italy, visits to the cemetery for All Souls Day and more.

Culture and Travel

9 Incredible Musems in Florence by Venere Travel Blog – Many know about Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia but if you have time, don’t miss the other museums on the list which house fascinating collections.

Priceless Naples treasure of San Gennaro goes on show by BBC – “Said to rival Britain’s Crown Jewels and those of the Russian tsars in value” this exhibition in Palazzo Sciarra until February 16. A must-see if you are visiting the city during this period. For more information on tickets and opening hours, here’s the website.

6 Tips to know before you drive in Italy by Walks of Italy – Driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted! If you do plan on driving, this post share some great tips. My tip – the parking signs as to whether parking is free at certain times is sometimes confusing – even for my husband. And also, make sure you have small change (coins) handy.

Florence and the Arno – November 4, 1966 by Ars Opulenta – A fabulous post! A devastating event that brought the best out of people and highlighted the spirit of cooperation. I saw a documentary on Italian TV when a few years back and the scenes of this flood were shocking.

15 Ghost towns in Italy by Slow Italy – These towns may have been abandoned but can still be visited today. Intriguing and fascinating. More places for me to add to my bucket list.

Vibrant Venetian villas you have to visit by Select Italy Blog – This list includes the Palladian villas which are high on my bucket-list. I always enjoy a visit to villas as they are often splendid, tranquil and offer you glimpse of the splendor of the lifestyle of those who lived there.

Italian Food and Drinks

Fave Dolci or Fave dei Morti by Turismo Roma – This post gives a brief history about fave dolci as well as a recipe for this All Saints’ Day biscuits (biscotti di Ognissanti) often found in bakeries in Rome in the month of November. They are easy to make and delicious.

The Best Wine-Growing Regions by Frommers – If you are a wine-lover, you’ll be spoilt from choice in Italy. From the regions to the north to Sicily in the south, Italy boasts some fabulous wines.

Barley Pumpkin Risotto by Green Holiday Italy – You know it’s autumn when they are many recipes featuring pumpkin. I love simple and hearty recipes – and this fits the bill exactly.

Chefs celebrate white truffle season by Forbes – Another sign of that autumn is here. These extravagant treats, according to one of the chefs “work best when shaved on top”. I agree but then again, I like to keep things simple. What about you?

Restaurant Report: Lievito Madre al Mare in Naples, Italy by New York Times – Naples is known for pizza and this new pizzeria set by Gino Sorbillo, a renowned pizzaiolo, is located in the “posh Chiaia district”.

Life in Italy

A Foray to the Centrale Montemartini by Understanding Rome – While life in Rome can be extremely challenging – and I can attest to that – realizing that you live in a city that is home to an abundance of priceless treasures and views, it somehow makes everything right.

Positano Cemetery – Day of the Dead by Figs and Lemons – This post touches me personally as my mother-in-law is buried in this cemetery along with her mother and siblings. The views are stunning here but for obvious reasons, I feel it just isn’t an appropriate time to click away.

Have you come across any great reads or resources on Italy this week? Share them with us in the comments below.